System and associated methods for dynamically adjusting circadian rhythm responsive to identified future events

ABSTRACT

A method is for dynamically adjusting a circadian rhythm of an observer via a user device that includes control circuitry and an associated memory. The method includes identifying future events to precondition for and determining a preconditioning schedule for at least one of the identified future events. Determining the schedule includes determining a preconditioning schedule for at least one of the identified future events, including identifying a circadian shift needed, to the circadian rhythm of the observer, for the at least one identified future event, determining a timeframe for preconditioning, determining a per-day shift needed based upon the identified circadian shift needed and the determined timeframe, and determining if the needed per-day shift exceeds a threshold. Upon a determination that the per-day shift exceeds the threshold, the method includes setting the preconditioning schedule responsive to the determination and operating the light source to emit light based upon the preconditioning schedule.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation and claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/483,327 titled System ForDynamically Adjusting Circadian Rhythm Responsive To Scheduled Eventsand Associated Methods filed Apr. 10, 2017 (Attorney Docket No.588.00129), which, in turn, is a continuation and claims benefit under35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/590,557 titledSystem For Dynamically Adjusting Circadian Rhythm Responsive ToScheduled Events And Associated Methods filed Jan. 2, 2015 (AttorneyDocket No. 588.00084), which, in turn, is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/494,290 titled Tunable LED Lamp forProducing Biologically-Adjusted Light filed Sep. 23, 2014, now U.S. Pat.No. 9,131,573 issued on Sep. 8, 2015 (Attorney Docket No. 588.00083),which, in turn, is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/968,914 filed Aug. 16, 2013 titled Tunable LED Lamp for ProducingBiologically-Adjusted Light, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,841,864 issued Sep. 23,2014, (Attorney Docket No. 588.00039), which is in turn acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/311,300filed Dec. 5, 2011 titled Tunable LED Lamp for ProducingBiologically-Adjusted Light, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,686,641 issued Apr. 1,2014, (Attorney Docket No. 588.00013).

Furthermore, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/590,557 is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/573,922filed Dec. 17, 2014 titled System and Methods for Operating a LightingDevice, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,532,423 issued on Dec. 27, 2016 (AttorneyDocket No. 221.00206), which, in turn, is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/803,825 filed Mar. 14, 2013, titled System forGenerating Non-Homogenous Biologically-Adjusted Light and AssociatedMethods, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,743,023 issued Jun. 3, 2014 (AttorneyDocket No. 588.00042), which, in turn, is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/709,942 filed Dec. 10, 2012 titled Systemfor Generating Non-Homogenous Light and Associated Methods, now U.S.Pat. No. 8,760,370 issued Jun. 24, 2014, (Attorney Docket No.221.00100), which, in turn, claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/643,308 titled Tunable Light System andAssociated Methods filed May 6, 2012 (Attorney Docket No. 221.00053),U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/643,316 titled LuminaireHaving an Adaptable Light Source and Associated Methods filed May 6,2012 (Attorney Docket No. 221.00052) and is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/234,371 filed Sep. 16, 2011 titledColor Conversion Occlusion and Associated Methods, now U.S. Pat. No.8,465,167 issued Jun. 18, 2013, (Attorney Docket No. 221.00008) and isalso a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/107,928 filed May 15, 2011, titled High Efficacy Lighting SignalConverter and Associated Methods now U.S. Pat. No. 8,547,391 issued Oct.1, 2013, (Attorney Docket No. 221.00003), the content of each of whichis incorporated by reference herein in their entireties, except to theextent disclosure therein is inconsistent with disclosure herein.

Additionally, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,825 filed Mar. 14,2013 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/652,207 filed Oct. 15, 2012, titled LED Lamp for ProducingBiologically-Corrected Light , now U.S. Pat. No. 8,643,276 issued Feb.4, 2014 (Attorney Docket No. 588.00020), which, in turn, is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/174,339 filed Jun.30, 2011, titled LED Lamp for Producing Biologically-Corrected Light,now U.S. Pat. No. 8,324,808 issued Dec. 4, 2012 (Attorney Docket No.588.00016), which, in turn, is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/842,887 filed Jul. 23, 2010, titled LED Lamp forProducing Biologically-Adjusted Light now U.S. Pat. No. 8,253,336 issuedAug. 28, 2012, (Attorney Docket No. 588.00015), the contents of each ofwhich are incorporated by reference in their entireties except to theextent disclosure therein is inconsistent with disclosure herein.

Furthermore, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/590,557 iscontinuation-in-part and claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/775,936 filed Feb. 25, 2013 titledAdaptive Light System and Associated Methods (Attorney Docket No.221.00104) and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/465,781 filed May 7,2012 titled Dynamic Wavelength Adapting Device to Affect PhysiologicalResponse and Associated Methods (Attorney Docket No. 588.00048), thecontents of each of which are incorporated by reference in theirentireties except to the extent disclosure therein is inconsistent withdisclosure herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems and methods for lightingsystems for adjusting circadian rhythms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The issue of discordance between an individual's circadian rhythm andthe day-night cycle after traveling across time zones, better known as“jet lag,” is well known and documented. This discordance is a result inthe rapid change of the day-night cycle timing without adequate time forthe individual's circadian rhythm to adjust to the new timing. However,it is increasingly evident that the individual's circadian rhythm can bepreconditioned prior to travel so as to mitigate the jet lag of theindividual. Additionally, evidence increasingly demonstrates thatcertain types of activity, e.g. physical activity, mental activity, peakat different periods during the circadian cycle. Accordingly, there is abenefit to syncing one's circadian cycle such that these peak periodscoincide with a known event that would benefit from such syncing, e.g.aligning the circadian rhythm to peak physical activity performance atthe same time as an athletic event, or syncing peak mental performanceto coincide with an academic test. However, such systems as arepresently available are imprecise and require significant control by theindividual to be useful on a frequent basis. Additionally, such systemsrequire the individual to begin preconditioning with sufficient time inadvance of the future event so as to adjust the circadian rhythm of theindividual without exceeding a maximum circadian shift in a given day.Accordingly, there is a need for a system that is capable of identifyingfuture events requiring or benefitting from the preconditioning of theindividual's circadian rhythm and determining a preconditioning scheduleaccordingly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, in light of the above, embodiments of the present inventionare directed to systems and methods for the dynamic and automatedadjustment of an observer's circadian rhythm. An embodiment of theinvention provides a method of dynamically adjusting a circadian rhythmof an observer via a user device that includes control circuitry and anassociated memory. The method includes identifying one or more futureevents of the observer to precondition for, defined as identified futureevents, and determining a preconditioning schedule for at least one ofthe identified future events. Determining the schedule includesidentifying a circadian shift needed, to the circadian rhythm of theobserver, for the at least one identified future event, determining amagnitude of the circadian shift, determining a timeframe forpreconditioning, determining a needed per-day shift based upon thetimeframe, and determining if the per-day shift exceeds a threshold.Also, the method includes, upon a determination that the per-day shiftexceeds the threshold, setting the preconditioning schedule responsiveto the determination, and operating the light source to emit light basedupon the preconditioning schedule.

Additionally, or alternatively, in certain embodiments, identifying oneor more future events includes determining a time zone within which thefuture event will occur.

Additionally, or alternatively, in certain embodiments, identifying oneor more future events includes accessing future events within a timeperiod from the calendar, and determining which future events needpreconditioning.

Additionally, or alternatively, in certain embodiments, the methodincludes determining if preconditioning schedules for the identifiedfuture events conflict, upon a determination that no conflict exists,operating the light source to emit light of the preconditioningschedules, and upon a determination that a conflict exists: querying auser to select one or more non-conflicting future events, receiving aninput from the user indicating one or more future events to preconditionfor, and operating the light source responsive to the input.

Additionally, or alternatively, in certain embodiments, upon adetermination that the per-day shift exceeds the threshold, furtherperforming: querying the user as to whether to override the threshold;receiving an input from the user responsive to the query of whether toexceed the threshold; and selecting the preconditioning scheduleresponsive to the user input.

Additionally, or alternatively, in certain embodiments, the threshold is2.5 hours.

Additionally, or alternatively, in certain embodiments, the methodincludes monitoring a sleep cycle of the observer, and implementingchanges to the preconditioning schedule responsive to the sleep cycle ofthe observer. As such, monitoring a sleep pattern of the observer mayinclude determining if the observer is asleep, recording signals from asleep sensor, identifying and recording an indication of low qualitysleep from the signals received from the sleep sensor, and determiningchanges to the preconditioning schedule responsive to the indication ofthe low quality sleep.

Additionally, or alternatively, in certain embodiments, the sleep sensoran optical motion detector and/or an acceleration detector.

Another embodiment of the invention provides a method of dynamicallyadjusting a circadian rhythm of an observer via a user device thatincludes a light source, control circuitry and an associated memory. Themethod includes identifying a future event of the observer toprecondition for, defined as an identified future event, and determininga preconditioning schedule responsive to the identified future event,by: identifying a circadian shift needed, to the circadian rhythm of theobserver, for the identified future event, determining a magnitude ofthe circadian shift and a related magnitude of a per-day shift neededfor the identified future event, and determining if the magnitude of theper-day shift exceeds a threshold, and selecting the preconditioningschedule based thereon. The method includes operating the light sourceto emit light based upon the preconditioning schedule.

Additionally, or alternatively, in certain embodiments, identifying thefuture event includes determining a time zone within which the futureevent will occur.

Additionally, or alternatively, in certain embodiments, identifying thefuture event includes accessing future events within a time period froma calendar, and determining which future events need preconditioning.

Additionally, or alternatively, in certain embodiments, upon adetermination that the magnitude of the per-day shift exceeds thethreshold, further performing: querying the user as to whether tooverride the threshold; receiving an input from the user responsive tothe query of whether to exceed the threshold; and selecting thepreconditioning schedule responsive to the user input.

Another embodiment is directed to a lighting system for dynamicallyadjusting a circadian rhythm of an observer. The system includes a userdevice comprising control circuitry and associated memory, and a lightsource configured for communication with the control circuitry. Thecontrol circuitry is configured to identify one or more future events ofthe observer to precondition for, defined as identified future events,and determine a preconditioning schedule responsive to the identifiedfuture event, by: identifying a circadian shift needed, to the circadianrhythm of the observer, for the identified future event, determining aneeded circadian shift and a related per-day shift needed for theidentified future event, and determining if the needed per-day shiftexceeds a threshold, and selecting the preconditioning schedule basedthereon. The control circuitry is configured to control the light sourceto emit light based upon the preconditioning schedule.

Additionally, or alternatively, in certain embodiments, the user devicefurther comprises a communication device configured for communicationwith the control circuitry and configured to communicate across anetwork. The communication device is configured to access the calendarand identify future events associated with the observer via the network.

Additionally, or alternatively, in certain embodiments, the controlcircuitry is further configured to determine a time zone within whichthe future events will occur.

Additionally, or alternatively, in certain embodiments, the controlcircuitry is further configured to: access future events within a timeperiod from a calendar; and determine which future events needpreconditioning.

Additionally, or alternatively, in certain embodiments, upon adetermination that the per-day shift exceeds the threshold, the controlcircuitry is further configured to: query the user as to whether tooverride the threshold; receive an input from the user responsive to thequery of whether to exceed the maximum per-day shift; and set thepreconditioning schedule responsive to the user input.

Additionally, or alternatively, in certain embodiments, the threshold is2.5 hours.

Additionally, or alternatively, in certain embodiments, a sleep sensoris configured to, in combination with the control circuitry, monitor asleep cycle of the observer, wherein the control circuitry is furtherconfigured to implement changes to the preconditioning scheduleresponsive to the sleep cycle of the observer.

Additionally, or alternatively, in certain embodiments, the sleep sensorcomprises an optical motion detector and/or an acceleration detector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a lightingdevice responsive to a calendared event according to an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of identifying a futureevent requiring preconditioning according to the embodiment depicted inFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of determining apreconditioning schedule according to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4a is an environmental view of a system according to an embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 4b is a side sectional view taken through line 4 b-4 b of thesystem of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 5a is an environmental view of a lighting system according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5b is a side sectional view of a lighting device of the lightingsystem of 5 a.

FIG. 6 is an environmental view of a system according to an embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 7 is an environmental view of a system according to an embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of monitoring and evaluatingthe quality of sleep and adjusting a preconditioning schedule responsivethereto according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for monitoring the qualityof sleep of an individual and adjusting various environmental factorsresponsive thereto according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodimentsof the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Those ofordinary skill in the art realize that the following descriptions of theembodiments of the present invention are illustrative and are notintended to be limiting in any way. Other embodiments of the presentinvention will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons havingthe benefit of this disclosure. Like numbers refer to like elementsthroughout.

Although the following detailed description contains many specifics forthe purposes of illustration, anyone of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that many variations and alterations to the following detailsare within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the followingembodiments of the invention are set forth without any loss ofgenerality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the claimedinvention.

In this detailed description of the present invention, a person skilledin the art should note that directional terms, such as “above,” “below,”“upper,” “lower,” and other like terms are used for the convenience ofthe reader in reference to the drawings. Also, a person skilled in theart should notice this description may contain other terminology toconvey position, orientation, and direction without departing from theprinciples of the present invention.

Furthermore, in this detailed description, a person skilled in the artshould note that quantitative qualifying terms such as “generally,”“substantially,” “mostly,” and other terms are used, in general, to meanthat the referred to object, characteristic, or quality constitutes amajority of the subject of the reference. The meaning of any of theseterms is dependent upon the context within which it is used, and themeaning may be expressly modified.

An embodiment of the invention text, as shown and described by thevarious figures and accompanying text, provides a system for causingillumination that is viewable by an observer to shift a circadian rhythmof the observer responsive to a calendared event for the observer. Themeans by which the illumination is caused to affect the shift may vary,including adjustment of the spectral power distribution (SPD) of lightemitted by a light source associated with a user device, adjustment ofthe SPD of a lighting device in communication with a user device, orfiltering of light emitted by a light source prior to observation by theobserver by a filtering device. In each case, the determination ofwhether and how to cause a circadian shift in the observer may be madebased upon the identification of an upcoming event on a calendarassociated with the observer, evaluation of the SPD of light currentlyvisible by the observer, and adjustment thereof.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a flowchart illustrating a method 100 ofoperating a lighting device responsive to a calendared event ispresented. Starting at Block 101, the system may determine the currentcircadian rhythm of an observer of a lighting device at Block 102. Thedetermination of the current circadian rhythm may include at leastdetermining an approximate waking time and an approximate sleeping timeof the observer. More specifically, the determination of the currentcircadian rhythm may include at least determining at what time theobserver wakes up and what time the observer goes to sleep. Moreinformation regarding the determination of the current circadian rhythmof the observer may be found in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.No. 61/936,654 titled System for Detecting and Analyzing Motion forPattern Prediction and Associated Methods filed Feb. 6, 2014 (AttorneyDocket No. 588.00052) and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/785,209 titled Method for Controlling Blood Glucose Production filedMar. 14, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. 588.00031), the contents of each ofwhich are incorporated by reference in their entirety, except to theextent disclosures made therein are inconsistent with disclosures madeherein. In some embodiments, the system may infer an approximate wake-uptime and going to sleep time based on the calendar of the observer,which will be discussed in greater detail hereinbelow. Accordingly,although the step of determining the current circadian rhythm isdisclosed first in the method 100, it is not necessarily performed firstin time in every embodiment of the invention.

Next, at Block 103, the system may establish communication with thecalendar associated with the observer. Establishing communication withthe calendar may be accomplished by various means a method, as will bediscussed in greater detail hereinbelow. The calendar may include avariety of events.

Upon establishing communication with the calendar, at Block 104 thesystem may identify a future event on the calendar associated with theobserver to precondition for. The term “precondition” may be understoodto include the meaning of shifting the circadian rhythm of the observerso as to align the observer's circadian rhythm with the future event.More information regarding affecting a circadian shift may be found inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/968,875 titled Tunable LED Lamp forProducing Biologically-Adjusted Light filed Aug. 16, 2013, the contentof which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein, except tothe extent disclosure made therein is inconsistent with disclosure madeherein, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/785,209,which is incorporated by reference hereinabove.

At Block 105, the system may determine a preconditioning schedule. Thepreconditioning schedule may be configured to shift the circadian rhythmof the observer incrementally between the present time and timeassociated with the future event. More specifically, the system maydetermine a day-by-day schedule of lighting configurations that areconfigured to shift the circadian rhythm of the observer. Moreinformation regarding a daily lighting schedule, and the identificationof patterns associated therewith, may be found in U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/923,924 titled Luminaire for VaryingBiologically-Adjusted Illumination According to a User-ControllableCircadian Pattern and Associated Systems and Methods filed Jan. 6, 2014,the content of which is incorporated by reference in its entiretyherein, except to the extent disclosure made therein is inconsistentwith disclosure made herein (Attorney Docket No. 588.00061).

At Block 106, the system may establish communication with a lightsource. The type of communication the system establishes with the lightsource may depend on the nature of the system. In some embodiments, thesystem may be configured to directly control the operation of the lightsource, in which case the electrical communication with the light sourcewill likely have already been established. Some embodiments, the systemmay be configured to establish technical communication with the lightsource across a network, as will be described in greater detailhereinbelow. In such embodiments, the system may so establish electricalcommunication with the light source, either directly or indirectlythrough an intermediate computerized device, such as a microcontroller.In some embodiments, the system may be configured to be positioned inoptical communication with the light source. In such embodiments, theelement of the system may be positioned intermediate the light sourceand the observer, such that all light emitted by the light source mustfirst pass through the element of the system prior to being observed bythe observer.

At Block 107, the system may begin performing preconditioning accordingto the preconditioning schedule determined at Block 105. Depending uponthe requirements of the preconditioning schedule, the system may beginincreasing or reducing the intensity of light within certain wavelengthranges so as to affect a biological response in the observer. In someembodiments, this may be accomplished by the system controlling theoperation of the light source so as to alter the SPD of light emittedthereby. In some embodiments, this may be accomplished by applying anoptical filter to the light source so as to reduce the activity of lightwithin one or more wavelength ranges. More information regarding thevarious embodiments that the system may take is provided hereinbelow.The system may end at Block 199.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the step of performing thepreconditioning may include communication with the observer regardingcertain activities he or she may engage in or abstain from so as toenhance the effectiveness of the preconditioning. For example, thepreconditioning may include recommended times at which to wake up, go tosleep, eat meals, exercise, and the like. Moreover, the preconditioningmay include suggesting the observer consume or avoid certain foods anddrinks, such as avoiding caffeine or other substances that may affectsleep quality. In some embodiments, the communication to the observermay take the form of entering new events onto the calendar associatedwith the observer, sending a message to the observer by any method knownin the art, including text message, e-mail, and the like, to any phonenumber or e-mail address associated with the observer. Additionally, insome embodiments, an application for a smartphone, as is known in theart, may provide the above-described communications on a smartphone ofthe observer.

Referring now to FIG. 2, additional details regarding the determinationof a future event to precondition for are discussed. More specifically,the step of identifying the future event may comprise the stepsillustrated in method 200 depicted in FIG. 2. Starting at Block 201, thesystem may first determine a current time of day at Block 202. In suchembodiments, the system may include a clock that is configured toprovide a time of day. Additionally, in some embodiments, the system maybe configured to receive an indication of the time of day from anoutside source across a network, such as the Internet, as is known inthe art. Furthermore, in some embodiments, where the system includes asmartphone or other similar device, including a calendar feature, thetime of day may be determined by accessing the time of day as maintainedby the calendar feature of the smartphone.

Continuing at Block 203, the system may determine a current time zone ofthe observer. In some embodiments, the system may be configured todetermine time zone by receiving an indication from a location lightingdevice associated with the system. Types of devices include, but are notlimited to, a global positioning system (GPS) device. Additionally, insome embodiments, the system may be configured to determine the timefrom by analyzing an IP address assigned to a network interface deviceassociated with the system, as is known in the art. In each case, thegeographical location indicated thereby may be compared to a mapdelineating the various time zones. In some embodiments, the map may bestored locally on the system. In some embodiments, the map may beaccessible by the system via the Internet. Any method of determining thetimes of associated with the current position of the system iscontemplated included within the scope of the invention. Additionally,it is contemplated and included within the scope of the invention thatinformation regarding the time zone of the observer may be determinedconcurrently with the determination of the time of day, and as such maynot constitute a discrete step.

At Block 204, a date associated with the time of day and the time zoneassociated with the observer may be determined. The date may bedetermined according to any of the methods described hereinabove relatedto the determinations of the time of day and the time zone.

At Block 205, the system may access all future events for a given timeframe from the calendar. The timeframe for which future events areaccessed may be configured by the user, who, in some embodiments, may bethe observer. A default configuration may be all future events occurringwithin the range from about one day in the future to about 12 days inthe future. Any timeframe may be selected, and any range from one day to365 days is contemplated included within the scope of the invention.

At Block 206, the system may analyze the accessed future events todetermine which, if any, required or would benefit from preconditioning.The analysis performed by the system may include various considerations.As the nature of the event, the time of day in which the event is tooccur, and the time zone in which the event is to occur. For example,the system may identify that an event requiring physical activity may bescheduled to occur at a time that does not coincide with the optimalwindow of time in the observer's circadian rhythm for physical activity.As another example, the system may identify an event requiring mentalperformance that may not coincide with the optimal window of time in theobserver's circadian rhythm for mental activity. As another example, thesystem may identify an event scheduled to occur in a time zone that isdifferent than the present time zone of the observer. The scenariosprovided herein are exemplary only, and any situation whereby a shift inthe circadian rhythm of the observer that may advantageously align theobserver's circadian rhythm so as to best correspond to the future eventis contemplated included within the scope of the invention.

Additionally, in order for the system to be able to perform theanalysis, it is contemplated and included within the scope of theinvention that the future events contained in the calendar includeinformation sufficient to be analyzed by the system in order to make theabove determinations regarding the nature of the event, the time of daythe event is to take place, in the time zone in which event is to occur.As to the nature of the event, a brief description of the event may beincluded, such as, for example, indicating the observer is to play in asporting event, indicating the observer is to take an academic test, orany other scenario that may suggest a need for physical and/or mentalperformance. As to the time of day of the event, an indication of thetime may be included. As to the time zone of the event, and address, orat least an identification of the city, state, and/or country withinwhich the event is to occur may be included. Moreover, the system mayinclude software capable of interpreting the information included witheach event so as to perform the above analysis.

In the event it is determined that no future events requireprecondition, the system may cease performance of method 200 as well asmethod 100 of FIG. 1.

At Block 207, the system may determine if more than one future eventrequiring preconditioning has been identified. If it is determined atBlock 207 that there is not more than one future event requiringpreconditioning, the method 200 may end at Block 299. However, if it isdetermined at Block 207 that multiple future events requirepreconditioning, the system may determine a preconditioning schedule foreach future event at Block 208. Then, at Block 209, the system maycompare the preconditioning schedules of each of the future events todetermine if the preconditioning schedules for the future events wouldcreate a conflict between their respective preconditioning schedules,whereby the system could not concurrently precondition the observer forboth future events. If the preconditioning for the future events doesnot create a conflict, the method 200 may end at Block 299. However, ifthe preconditioning for the future events does create a conflict, thesystem may query the user to select one or more future events toprecondition for that does not create a conflict at Block 210.Accordingly, the system may either comprise, or be positioned inelectrical communication with, a user interface including a user inputdevice. The system may receive an input from the user at Block 211indicating which of the future events to precondition for. The methodmay then end at Block 299.

Referring now to FIG. 3, additional aspects of the system will now bediscussed. Specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates a method 300 related to thedetermination of the preconditioning schedule will now be discussed.More specifically, the step of determining the preconditioning schedulemay comprise the steps illustrated in method 300 depicted in FIG. 3.Beginning at Block 301, the system may analyze the future event toprecondition for to identify what type of circadian shift at Block 302,i.e. whether the circadian rhythm of the observer must be advanced ordelayed. More information regarding circadian shifts may be found inU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/785,209, which isincorporated by reference hereinabove.

At Block 303, the system may determine the magnitude of the circadianshift needed to precondition for the future event. The magnitude may beunderstood to me the time difference between the current state of theobserver's circadian rhythm and the future state upon performance of thepreconditioning.

At Block 304, the system may determine the timeframe within which thepreconditioning is to be accomplished. This may be understood to meanthe difference between the present time and date and the time and dateof the future event.

At Block 305, the system may calculate the magnitude by which thecircadian rhythm must be shifted per-day to precondition in time for theevent, i.e. how many hours/minutes must the circadian rhythm beadvanced/delayed per-day.

At Block 306, the system may determine if the magnitude of the shiftper-day exceeds a maximum per-day magnitude. In the present embodiment,the default maximum per-day magnitude is about two and a half (2.5)hours. The maximum per-day magnitude may be adjusted by a user, and anymaximum per-day magnitude, greater or less than two hours, iscontemplated and included within a scope of the invention. If it isdetermined at Block 306 that the per-day magnitude does not exceed themaximum, the method 300 may end at Block 399.

If it is determined at Block 306 that the per-day magnitude does exceedthe maximum, an alert may be presented to the observer advising of suchat Block 307 and the system may query the user whether to create apreconditioning schedule that exceeds the maximum or that adheres to themaximum and will not be designed to fully precondition the observer. Thesystem may receive an input from the observer at Block 308 selectingeither a preconditioning schedule either exceeding or adhering to themaximum. At Block 309 the system may then select the preconditioningschedule that either exceeds or adheres to the maximum responsive to theinput received from the observer at Block 308. The method 300 may thenend at Block 399.

Referring now to FIGS. 4a-b , a system according to an embodiment of theinvention is presented. The embodiment may include a user device 400.The user device 400 may be any device capable of emitting light that isobservable by an observer. Moreover, the user device 400 may be anydevice that is capable of adjusting the SPD of light emitted thereby soas to affect a biological response in the observer. More informationregarding affecting a biological response in an observer may be found inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/968,875 and U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/923,924, both of which are incorporated byreference hereinabove. Additionally, in the present embodiment, the userdevice 400 may be any device that is capable of accessing a calendarassociated with the observer, identifying an event to adjust lightemitted thereby response to, and determining a preconditioning scheduleto emit light to affect a shift in the circadian rhythm of the observer.Accordingly, as in the present embodiment, the user device 400 mayinclude control circuitry 410. The control circuitry 410 may haveassociated therewith a memory 412. In some embodiments, the memory 412may have stored thereon a calendar 414 associated with an observer.

With reference to the methods of operation illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, thecontrol circuitry 410 may be configured to perform the operationsillustrated therein and disclosed in the accompanying description. Thevarious analyses, determinations, and identifications performed by thesystem described hereinabove may be performed by the control circuitry410. Additionally, the control circuitry 410 may establish communicationwith a light source 420 electrically and control operation thereof, aswill be described in greater detail hereinbelow.

Additionally, the user device 400 may include a light source 420. Thelight source 420 may be any type of lighting device as is known in theart, including, but not limited to, light-emitting semiconductors, suchas light-emitting diodes (LEDs), incandescent lighting devices, halogenlighting devices, florescent lighting devices, and the like. In thepresent embodiment, the light source 420 may comprise a plurality ofLEDs. In the present embodiments, the light source 420 comprises aplurality of LED banks 422, each LED bank 422 comprising a plurality ofLED dies. More information regarding the LEDs and light emitted therebymay be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/311,300 titledTunable LED Lamp for Producing Biologically-Adjusted Light filed Dec. 5,2011 (Attorney Docket No. 588.00013), the content of which isincorporated by reference herein except to the extent disclosure thereinis inconsistent with disclosure herein.

Additionally, the light source 420 may be operable to emit light so asto affect a biological change in an observer. Specifically, the lightsource 420 may be operable to affect a circadian shift in an observer,as described hereinabove. Furthermore, the light source 420 may beoperable to emit light so as to avoid affecting a biological change inan observer. For example, the light source 420 may be operable so as tosuppress the secretion of a hormone, such as, for example, melatonin.Melatonin is an exemplary hormone only, and any hormone that may haveits secretion suppressed by the observation of light by an observer iscontemplated and included within the scope of the invention. Moreinformation regarding the suppression of the secretion of hormones maybe found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/311,300 and U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/785,209, both of which areincorporated by reference hereinabove. Furthermore, any otherphysiological effect that may result in the shifting of the circadianrhythm and may be affected by the observation of light by an observer iscontemplated and included within the scope of the invention.

Accordingly, because the control circuitry 410 is positioned inelectrical communication with and is configured to control the operationof the light source 420, the control circuitry may be configured tooperate the light source 420 according to a preconditioning schedule.More specifically, the control circuitry 410 may be configured tocontrol the SPD of light emitted by the light source 420 so as to shifta circadian rhythm of the observer so as to align the observer'scircadian rhythm with a future event.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the user device 400 may include anetwork communication device 430. The network communication device 430may be configured to position the user device 400 in communication witha network. Types of networks include, but are not limited to, wirelesscommunication networks, including cellular data networks, Wi-Finetworks, Bluetooth communication, Zigbee communication, and theInternet. The control circuitry 410 may be positioned in communicationwith a remotely stored calendar associated with the observer via thenetwork communication device 430. In some embodiments, the controlcircuitry 410 may be configured to store locally a copy of the remotelystored calendar that is accessible via the network communication device430, the locally stored calendar being the calendar 414 stored on thememory 412. Moreover, the control circuitry 410 may be configured toupdate the calendar 414 by accessing the remotely stored calendar,identifying differences between the remotely stored calendar and thecalendar 414 stored on the memory 412, and updating the calendar 414responsive to the identified differences.

The present embodiment, the user device 400 may be a computerized devicehaving a display 440. The display 440 may be any device capable ofdisplaying visual content as is known in the art. Types of displaysinclude, but are not limited to, liquid-crystal displays (LCD), cathoderay tube displays (CRT), digital light processing displays (DLP), plasmadisplays, and the like. The types of displays listed herein areexemplary only, and all displays other known in the art are contemplatedincluded within the scope of the invention. In the present embodiment,the display 440 may be an LCD that is backlit by the light source 420.More specifically, the light source 420 may emit light that passesthrough the display 440, the SPD of light emitted by the light source420 being altered thereby prior to observation by the observer.

In some embodiments, the display 440 may be a touch display, capable ofreceiving inputs from the user via the user touching the screen, eitherwith a finger or a stylus. In such embodiments, user inputs described inFIGS. 1-3 may be received via the display 440. In some embodiments, theuser device 400 may include a keypad 450. They keypad 450 may beconfigured to receive input from the user by the user pressing a key ofthe keypad 450. These means and methods of user input are exemplaryonly, and any means or method of receiving an input from the user arecontemplated and included within the scope of the invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 5a-b , an embodiment of the invention ispresented. In the present embodiment, a lighting system 500 is provided.The lighting system 500 may include a lighting device 510. The lightingdevice 510 may be configured to emit light in varying configurations asdescribed in references incorporated hereinabove. Accordingly, thelighting device 510 may include control circuitry 512, a light source514, and a communication device 516. The control circuitry 512 may bepositioned in electrical communication with the light source 514 so asto control the operation thereof to emit light having a varying SPD.Additionally, the control circuitry 512 may be positioned in electricalcommunication with the communication device 516 and be configured toreceive signals thereby and to operate the light source 514 responsiveto signals received therefrom. Furthermore, the control circuitry 512may include a memory 513 as described hereinabove. The lighting device510 may further comprises a housing 518 configured to generally encloseeach of the control circuitry 512, the light source 514, and thecommunication device 516. The housing 518 may include an electric port519 configured to be positioned in electrical communication with anexternal supply of electrical power. The control circuitry 512 may bepositioned in electrical communication with the electric port 519 andmay further be configured to condition electrical power received fromthe electric port 519 for use by the various electrical components ofthe lighting device 510, including the light source 514 and thecommunication device 516.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the lighting device 510 may include apower storage device 515. The power storage device 515 may be positionedin electrical communication with at least each of the control circuitry512, the light source 514, and the electric port 519, and in someembodiments the communication device 516. The power storage device 515may be configured to store electric power therein when the electric port519 is receiving electrical power from an external power source.Additionally, the power storage device 515 may be configured to provideelectrical power to elements of the lighting device 510 electricallyconnected thereto when the electric port 519 is not presently receivingelectrical power from an external power source. The power storage device515 may be any device known in the art capable of storing electricalpower, including, but not limited to, batteries and capacitors,including super capacitors and ultra capacitors.

The lighting device 510 may be configured to emit light that is viewableby an observer. More specifically, the light source 514 may beconfigured to emit light so as to be emitted by the lighting device 510into the environment surrounding the lighting device 510 so as to beviewable by an observer. In some embodiments, the lighting device mayhave an emitting aperture 511 through which light emitted by the lightsource may propagate and be emitted into the environment surrounding thelighting device 510. In some embodiments, the emitting aperture 511 mayhave positioned therein an optic 517. The optic 517 may be carried bythe housing 518. Furthermore, the optic 517 may be transparent ortranslucent. The optic 517 may be configured to affect the directionlight propagating therethrough is emitted therefrom through at least oneof reflection or refraction.

The lighting system 500 may further include a user device 520. The userdevice 520 may be an electrical device configured to electronicallycommunicate with the lighting device 510 so as to provide instructionsthereto regarding operation thereof. Accordingly, the user device 520may be configured to communicate with the communication device 516 ofthe lighting device 510 by any means or method known in the art,including those methods and standards of communication describedhereinabove.

Additionally, the user device 520 may be configured to provideinformation to a user, who may be the observer, visually, as well asreceive inputs therefrom related to the operation of the lighting device510. The user device 520 may further be configured to receive inputsfrom the user, and to transmit those inputs to the lighting device 510.The user device 520 may include any type of user input known in the art,including, but not limited to, keypads, keyboards, a mouse, touchscreendisplays, and voice recognition. Any other method of receiving an inputfrom the user is contemplated and included within the scope of theinvention.

While the form of the lighting device 510 of the present embodiment isthat of a standalone lighting fixture, is it contemplated and includedwithin the scope of the invention that the lighting device 510 may takethe form of any lighting device, including, but not limited to, lamps,bulbs, luminaires, and the like. Therefore, any light-emitting devicethat may perform the above-described functions is contemplated andincluded within the scope of the invention.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an embodiment of the invention is depicted. Inthe present embodiment, a filtering system 600 is provided. Thefiltering system 600 may be configured to selectively filter lightpassing therethrough to. More specifically, the filtering system 600 maybe configured to filter light to reduce or eliminate light within one ormore wavelength ranges so as to affect or prevent a biological responsein an observer. Furthermore, the filtering system 600 may be configuredto filter light so as to affect a shift in the circadian rhythm of anobserver. In some embodiments, the filtering system 600 may beconfigured to be attached to a display, such as the display 440 of FIGS.4a-b . Accordingly, the filtering system 600 presents an alternative tocontrolling the operation of the light source 420 of the user device 400so as to affect a shift to the circadian rhythm of the observer.

In the present embodiment, the filtering system 600 comprises a frame602. The frame 602 may be configured to be positioned adjacent orattached to a device configured to emit light. In the presentembodiment, the frame 602 is configured to attach to a user device 610having a display 612. The user device 610 and its constituent elementsare not part of the embodiment of the invention. Instead, only thefiltering system 600 is part of the present embodiment. The filteringsystem 600 may further comprise a filter 604. The filter 604 may becarried by the frame 602. Moreover, the frame 600 may be configured soas to position the filter 604 adjacent to the display 612 such thatlight emitted from the display must pass through the filter 604 prior tobeing observable by an observer. Accordingly, the filter 604 may beconfigured to as to permit all light emitted by the display 612 to passtherethrough into the environment. Moreover, the filter 604 may beconfigured to reduce the intensity of or substantially eliminate lightwithin a wavelength range. The wavelength range associated with thefilter 604 may be any wavelength range that is associated with abiological effect in an observer. In the present embodiment, the filter604 may be configured to substantially reduce or eliminate the intensityof lighting within a wavelength range from about 420 nm to about 490 nm.All other ranges of wavelengths are contemplated and included within thescope of the invention.

In the present embodiment, the user device 610 is a mobile phone,specifically, a smart phone. Any type of device that generates light iscontemplated and included within the scope of the invention, includingother computerized devices, such as personal computers, as well asdevices intended for providing illumination, such as light bulbs, lamps,lanterns, light fixtures, and the like.

The filter 604 may be any filtering device or material as is known inthe art. In some embodiments, the filter 604 may be configured topersistently and continuously filter all light passing therethrough,such as a notch filter. In some embodiments, the filter 604 may beconfigured to be operable to, in a first setting, filter light passingtherethrough, and in a second setting, to allow light to passtherethrough unfiltered, hereinafter referred to as an active filter.Such filters are known in the art, utilizing metamaterials known to beselectively operable to filter electromagnetic radiation in the visiblespectrum frequency range. In such embodiments, the filtering system 600may further comprise control circuitry positioned in electricalcommunication with the filter 604, as well as a power storage device,each as described hereinabove, except to the extent that the controlcircuitry is configured to control the transition of the filter 604between the first and second settings, as described. More specifically,the control circuitry may be configured to adjust the filter 604responsive to a preconditioning schedule so as to affect a circadianshift in an observer as described hereinabove.

Referring now to FIG. 7, an embodiment of the invention is presented. Asin the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6, the embodiment comprises afiltering system 700 configured to substantially reduce or eliminatelight within a wavelength range from light passing therethrough.However, the filtering system 700 comprises a frame 702 configured to becarried by the ears and nose of an observer, such that the filteringsystem functions as sun glasses, as is known in the art. Accordingly,the filtering system may be configured to filter light passingtherethrough, either from one or more artificial light sources, such asluminaires or light fixtures, or from a natural light source, such asthe sun, and from combinations thereof. Moreover, the filtering systemmay comprise a first filter 704 and a second filter 706, one for eacheye of an observer. The first and second filters 704, 706 may includeany of the features described for the filter 604 as describedhereinabove.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a method according to an embodiment of theinvention is presented. FIG. 8 discloses a flow chart illustrating amethod 800 of monitoring the quality of sleep of an observer, andaltering a preconditioning schedule responsive thereto. The system mayinclude a controller and a sensor for monitoring an indication of thequality of sleep. In some embodiments, the system may be the same systemconfigured to perform the steps illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. In someembodiments, the system may be discrete from the system described inFIGS. 1-3 and may further comprise a communication device configured tocommunicate with the system described in FIGS. 1-3, either directly oracross a network.

Starting at Block 801, the system may determine if the observer isasleep at Block 802. Such a determination may be inferred based on thetype of indication received from the sensor. The sensor may be any typeof device that may generate a signal receivable by the system from whichthe quality of sleep of the observer may be inferred. Types of sensorsinclude, but are not limited to, motion detectors, includingoptically-based detectors, such as LEDs and reverse-biased LEDs, andwearable systems, such as accelerometer-based systems, occupancysensors, and the like. In some systems, such as accelerometer-basedsensor systems, the sensor may be worn by the observer. Moreover, thesensor may be positioned in electrical communication with the controllerby any means or method known in the art, including wired and wirelesscommunication, as described hereinabove. More information regarding themonitoring of an observer may be found in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/564,345 titled Occupancy Sensor and Associated Methods filed May4, 2012 (Attorney Docket No. 221.00040), U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/269,222 titled Wavelength Sensing Light Emitting Semiconductorand Associated Methods filed Oct. 7, 2011 (Attorney Docket No.630.00001), and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/739,665 titledMotion Detection System and Associated Methods filed Jan. 11, 2013, thecontents of which are incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety, except to the extent disclosure therein is inconsistent withdisclosure herein, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/936,654 which is incorporated by reference hereinabove.

If the observer is determined not to be asleep at Block 802, then atBlock 803 the system may determine if the time of day indicates it isappropriate for the observer to be awake at Block 803. Such adetermination may be based on a default sleeping time, i.e. about 10 PMto about 6 AM, or it may be based on a learned schedule of the observer,as discussed hereinabove. If it is determined that it is appropriate forthe observer to be awake, the method 800 may end at Block 899. If it isdetermined it is not appropriate for the observer to be awake, themethod 800 may return to Block 802. In some embodiments, the system mayprovide an alert to the observer indicating that it is time to sleepaccording to any method of alert described herein.

If, at Block 802, it is determined the observer is asleep, the systemmay begin recording signals from the sensor at Block 804. The signalsfrom the sensor may indicate the quality of sleep of the observer. Inthat case of motion sensors, an indication of motion may be understoodto mean lower quality sleep. Each indication of low quality sleep may berecorded by the system.

At Block 805, a signal indicating low quality sleep is received by thesystem. At Block 806, the system may determine whether the observer isstill asleep, similar to the determination made at Block 802. If it isdetermined the observer is still asleep, then the system may record thesignal indicating low quality sleep at Block 806. Upon recoding thesignal, the method 800 may proceed to Block 807, wherein the systemwaits for the next signal indicating low quality sleep. Upon such asignal, the method 800 may return to Block 805.

If, at Block 806 it is determined the observer is no longer asleep, thesystem may analyze the recorded indications of low quality asleep todetermine if a change to the preconditioning schedule is recommended atBlock 808. The determination may be made based upon a number ofindications received from the sensor. If the number of indications isequal to or exceeds a threshold number, then the system may recommendchanging the preconditioning schedule. Such a change may take the formof reducing the shift scheduled to occur in the day following theprevious sleeping cycle. Any other types of changes, includingincreasing the shift, as well as suggesting various activities to theobserver to promote higher quality sleep, is contemplated and includedwithin the scope of the invention. At Block 809, any recommended changesto the preconditioning schedule, if indicated, may be implemented, andthe method 800 may end at Block 899.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a flow chart illustrating a method 900 formonitoring and improving the quality of sleep of an observer ispresented. The method may be performed by a system for monitoring thequality of sleep and altering the environment within which the observeris sleeping responsive to indications of low quality sleep to improvethe quality of sleep thereof. The system may be substantially similar tothat of the system performing the method 800 of FIG. 8, furtherincluding one or more environmental control devices positioned inelectrical communication with and being operable by the controller.Types of environmental control devices include, but are not limited to,HVAC systems, ceiling fans, floor fans, and noise generating devices.

Similar to method 800 of FIG. 8, method 900 may begin at Block 901, andthen may determine if the observer is asleep at Block 902. If theobserver is determined not to be asleep at Block 902, then at Block 903the system may determine if the time of day indicates it is appropriatefor the observer to be awake, as discussed hereinabove. If it isdetermined that it is appropriate for the observer to be awake, themethod 900 may end at Block 999. If it is determined it is notappropriate for the observer to be awake, the method 900 may return toBlock 902.

If, at Block 902, it is determined the observer is asleep, the systemmay begin recording signals from the sensor at Block 904. The signalsfrom the sensor may indicate the quality of sleep of the observer. Inthat case of motion sensors, an indication of motion may be understoodto mean lower quality sleep. Each indication of low quality sleep may berecorded by the system.

At Block 905, a signal indicating low quality sleep is received by thesystem. At Block 906, the system may determine whether the observer isstill asleep, similar to the determination made at Block 902. Uponrecoding the signal, the method 900 may proceed to Block 907, whereinthe system determines whether a change to the sleeping environment isrecommended responsive to the indication of low quality sleep receivedat Block 905. Such a determination may be made based on a number offactors, including the number of indications received within atimeframe, such as the previous five minutes. Such a timeframe isexemplary only, and any timeframe is contemplated and included withinthe scope of the invention.

Additionally, the determination may be made based on the potential foradverse sleeping conditions to be present, and the ability of theenvironmental control device to address such conditions. For example,where the environmental control device is an HVAC system, such systemstypically include a thermometer that measures the temperature of airwithin a space and provides an indication thereof. Where the temperatureis indicated to be outside a target temperature range for sleeping, thesystem may operate the HVAC system so as to bring the temperature towithin the range. Where the environmental control system is a fan, thesystem may operate the fan, either increasing or decreasing the flowgenerated thereby, to accordingly alter the perceived temperature by theobserver such that the perceived temperature falls within the targettemperature range. In some embodiments, the environmental control systemis a noise generating device, the system may alternatively increase ordecrease the noise generated thereby, or, when possible, alter the typeof noise generated, so as to encourage sleep in the observer. Suchexamples of environmental control devices are exemplary only, and anyother type of environmental control device, as well as methods ofoperation, are contemplated and included within the scope of theinvention.

If the determination is made at Block 907 to change the sleepingenvironment, the system may operate the environmental control device asdescribed hereinabove at Block 908. Then, at Block 909, the system maywait for the next signal indicating low quality sleep. When such asignal is received, the method 900 may return to Block 905.

If the determination is made at Block 907 not to change the sleepingenvironment, the method 900 may proceed to Block 909.

If, at Block 906, it is determine the observer is no longer asleep, thesystem may analyze the recorded indications of low quality asleep todetermine if a change to the preconditioning schedule is recommended atBlock 910, as described. hereinabove for FIG. 8. Additionally, anychanges to the preconditioning schedule may be performed at Block 911,and the method 900 may end at Block 999.

Some of the illustrative aspects of the present invention may beadvantageous in solving the problems herein described and other problemsnot discussed which are discoverable by a skilled artisan.

While the above description contains much specificity, these should notbe construed as limitations on the scope of any embodiment, but asexemplifications of the presented embodiments thereof. Many otherramifications and variations are possible within the teachings of thevarious embodiments. While the invention has been described withreference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents maybe substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope ofthe invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular situation or material to the teachings of the inventionwithout departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it isintended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodimentdisclosed as the best or only mode contemplated for carrying out thisinvention, but that the invention will include all embodiments fallingwithin the scope of the appended claims. Also, in the drawings and thedescription, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments of theinvention and, although specific terms may have been employed, they areunless otherwise stated used in a generic and descriptive sense only andnot for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention therefore notbeing so limited. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. donot denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second,etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. Furthermore, theuse of the terms a, an, etc. do not denote a limitation of quantity, butrather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of dynamically adjusting a circadianrhythm of an observer via a user device that includes control circuitryand an associated memory, the method comprising: identifying one or morefuture events of the observer to precondition for, defined as identifiedfuture events; determining a preconditioning schedule for at least oneof the identified future events, including identifying a circadian shiftneeded to the circadian rhythm of the observer for the at least oneidentified future event, determining a timeframe for preconditioning,determining a per-day shift needed based upon the identified circadianshift needed and the determined timeframe, and determining if the neededper-day shift exceeds a threshold, upon a determination that the per-dayshift exceeds the threshold, setting the preconditioning scheduleresponsive to the determination; and operating the light source to emitlight based upon the preconditioning schedule.
 2. The method of claim 1wherein identifying one or more future events includes determining atime zone within which the future event will occur.
 3. The method ofclaim 1 wherein identifying one or more future events includes:accessing future events within a time period from a calendar; anddetermining which future events need preconditioning.
 4. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising: determining if preconditioning schedules forthe identified future events conflict; upon a determination that noconflict exists, operating the light source to emit light of thepreconditioning schedules; and upon a determination that a conflictexists: querying a user to select one or more non-conflicting futureevents, receiving an input from the user indicating one or more futureevents to precondition for, and operating the light source responsive tothe input.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein, upon a determination thatthe per-day shift exceeds the threshold, further performing: queryingthe user as to whether to override the threshold; receiving an inputfrom the user responsive to the query of whether to exceed thethreshold; and selecting the preconditioning schedule responsive to theuser input.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein the threshold is 2.5 hours.7. The method of claim 1 further comprising: monitoring a sleep cycle ofthe observer; and implementing changes to the preconditioning scheduleresponsive to the sleep cycle of the observer.
 8. The method of claim 7wherein the step of monitoring a sleep cycle of the observer comprises:determining if the observer is asleep; recording signals from a sleepsensor; identifying and recording an indication of low quality sleepfrom the signals received from the sleep sensor; and determining changesto the preconditioning schedule responsive to the indication of the lowquality sleep.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein the sleep sensor is atleast one of an optical motion detector and an acceleration detector.10. A method of dynamically adjusting a circadian rhythm of an observervia a user device that includes a light source, control circuitry and anassociated memory, the method comprising: identifying a future event ofthe observer to precondition for, defined as an identified future event;determining, using the control circuitry and associated memory of theuser device, a preconditioning schedule responsive to the identifiedfuture event, by identifying a circadian shift needed, to the circadianrhythm of the observer, for the identified future event, determining amagnitude of the identified circadian shift and a related magnitude of aper-day shift needed for the identified future event, and determining ifthe magnitude of the per-day shift exceeds a threshold, and selectingthe preconditioning schedule based thereon; and operating the lightsource to emit light based upon the preconditioning schedule.
 11. Themethod of claim 10 wherein identifying the future event includesdetermining a time zone within which the future event will occur. 12.The method of claim 10 wherein identifying the future event includes:accessing future events within a time period from a calendar; anddetermining which future events need preconditioning.
 13. The method ofclaim 10 wherein, upon a determination that the threshold exceeds themaximum allowed per-day shift, further performing: querying the user asto whether to override the threshold; receiving an input from the userresponsive to the query of whether to exceed the threshold; andselecting the preconditioning schedule responsive to the user input. 14.The method of claim 13 wherein the threshold shift is 2.5 hours.
 15. Asystem for dynamically adjusting a circadian rhythm of an observer, thesystem comprising: a user device comprising control circuitry andassociated memory; and a light source configured for communication withthe control circuitry; wherein the control circuitry is configured toidentify one or more future events of the observer to precondition for,defined as identified future events, determine a preconditioningschedule responsive to the identified future event, by identifying acircadian shift needed, to the circadian rhythm of the observer, for theidentified future event, determining a magnitude of the circadian shiftand a related magnitude of a per-day shift needed for the identifiedfuture event, and determining if the magnitude of the per-day shiftexceeds a threshold, and selecting the preconditioning schedule basedthereon, and control the light source to emit light based upon thepreconditioning schedule.
 16. The system of claim 15 wherein the userdevice further comprises a communication device configured forcommunication with the control circuitry and configured to communicateacross a network; and wherein the communication device is configured toaccess a calendar and identify future events associated with theobserver via the network.
 17. The system of claim 15 wherein the controlcircuitry is further configured to: access future events within a timeperiod from a calendar; and determine which future events needpreconditioning.
 18. The system of claim 15 wherein, upon adetermination that the per-day shift exceeds the threshold, the controlcircuitry is further configured to: query the user as to whether tooverride the threshold; receive an input from the user responsive to thequery of whether to exceed the threshold; and set the preconditioningschedule responsive to the user input.
 19. The system of claim 15further comprising a sleep sensor configured to, in combination with thecontrol circuitry, monitor a sleep cycle of the observer; wherein thecontrol circuitry is further configured to implement changes to thepreconditioning schedule responsive to the sleep cycle of the observer.20. The system of claim 21 wherein the sleep sensor comprises at leastone of an optical motion detector and an acceleration detector.